malignancy
UK: məˈlɪɡnənsi | US: məˈlɪɡnənsi
n. the quality or state of being malignant (harmful or cancerous)
n. (medicine) a malignant tumor or disease
n. (figurative) extreme malevolence or hostility
malignancy = malign<evil/harmful> + ancy<noun suffix indicating state or quality>
- malign: From Latin malignus (ill-disposed, wicked), derived from male (badly) + genus (birth, origin). Implies inherent harmfulness.
- ancy: A suffix forming nouns denoting a state or condition (e.g., "pregnancy," "redundancy").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin malignus, combining male (bad) and genus (origin), suggesting something born to cause harm. Over time, "malignancy" evolved to describe both literal medical conditions (e.g., cancerous growths) and figurative malevolence, retaining the core idea of destructive potential.
The biopsy confirmed the malignancy of the tumor.
His speech was filled with subtle malignancy, undermining his colleagues.
Early detection can improve outcomes in cases of malignancy.
The malignancy of her actions became apparent over time.
Researchers are studying the genetic causes of malignancy.